Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s Historic Axiom 4 Launch Captured in Photos
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Diverging Reports Breakdown
Axiom-4 Mission: Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Carries Gajar Ka Halwa, Mango Nectar To Satiate Cravings For Home Food In Space
Axiom-4 Mission: Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Carries Gajar Ka Halwa, Mango Nectar To Satiate Cravings For Home Food In Space. ShukLA will become only the second Indian in space – and first on the orbiting laboratory — after Rakesh Sharma in 1984. The crew will spend up to 14 days at the ISS, with a focus on deep scientific research in micro-gravity. Once docked, the private astronauts plan to conduct a comprehensive mission comprising science, outreach, and commercial activities.
New Delhi: Sitting on the verge of making history, Indian Air Force Group Caption and ISRO astronaut, Shubhanshu Shukla, is carrying carrot halwa, moong dal halwa and mango nectar with him on way to the International Space Station (ISS) to satiate his cravings for home-made food in space, and distribute some among fellow astronauts too.
Shukla will become only the second Indian in space – and first on the orbiting laboratory — after Rakesh Sharma in 1984.
The SpaceX Falcon 9 launch carrying Shukla and three other astronauts marks India’s debut on a private astronaut mission, with a focus on deep scientific research in micro-gravity.
While astronauts are usually advised to travel light, Shukla is carrying some mouth-watering Indian sweets with him.
Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s Statement
“There will be plenty of food in space, but I will carry mango nectar, gajar (carrot) ka halwa, and moong dal halwa with me” to share it with fellow astronauts aboard the ISS, he said at a media conference before the Axiom-4 mission took off on Wednesday.
Shukla is also carrying a secret souvenir for Rakesh Sharma, a gesture of gratitude toward the man who mentored him through mission preparation.
According to Shukla, “This is not the start of my journey but the start of India’s human space programme.”
“Namaskar, my dear countrymen. What a ride. After 40 years, we have once again reached space, and it was an amazing ride. On my shoulders I have my Tricolour, which is telling me that I am not alone and that you are all with me,” said Lucknow-born Shukla.
The targeted docking time at the orbiting laboratory is approximately 4.30 pm (Indian standard time) on June 26. The crew will spend up to 14 days at the ISS.
Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, is commanding the commercial mission, while Shukla is serving as pilot.
Once docked, the private astronauts plan to conduct a comprehensive mission comprising science, outreach, and commercial activities.
(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)
Caught On Camera: Belarusian Tourist Slams Toddler To Floor At Russian Airport; Child In Coma, Suffers Skull Fracture & Spinal Injuries (VIDEO)
WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT. One-and-a-half-year-old boy in coma after unprovoked attack at Russian airport. Toddler suffered skull fractures and spinal injuries in the attack. Suspect, identified as Vladimir Vitkov, 31, from Belarus, is being investigated for attempted murder. Police suspect Vitkov was under the influence of drugs at the time of the incident. The family had travelled to Russia after fleeing from Iran, making their way through Afghanistan in search of safety amidst the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. Police are looking into weather the assault was racially motivated to influenced by any other factors.
Moscow: In a disturbing act of violence which took place at a Russian airport, a Belarusian tourist picked up a one-and-a-half-year-old boy and slammed him to the floor in the arrivals hall, leaving the child in coma.
The horrifying incident, caught on surveillance footage, unfolded just moments after the child and his mother arrived in Russia.
According to a report by The Sun, the toddler suffered skull fractures and several spinal injuries in the unprovoked attack. The child’s pregnant mother had stepped away briefly to collect a pushchair when the accused, identified as 31-year-old Vladimir Vitkov from Belarus, allegedly approached and lifted the boy off the ground before slamming him down with force.
Trigger Warning: Viewer discretion is advised. The visuals in the following footage could be disturbing to some.
😱😱😱
A Belarusian citizen attacked a child at the Sheremetyevo airport Khimki city Moscow Oblast, Russia.
The footage shows a male picking up the child & throwing him onto the concrete.
The child suffered a fractured spine & cranial injury.
He is in a coma in the hospital. pic.twitter.com/TmjRjO2MOx — NoHoldsBarred (@AussieSteve64) June 24, 2025
Possible Racial Angle
According to the Russian media, the family had travelled to Russia after fleeing from Iran, making their way through Afghanistan in search of safety amidst the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict.
The police are reportedly looking into weather the assault was racially motivated to influenced by any other factors.
Authorities suspect the accused was under the influence of drugs at the time. Traces of cannabis were found in his blood, and some reports also claimed that he was also carrying drugs. Vitkov, who had recently arrived in Russia, reportedly from either Cyprus or Egypt, was unable to explain his actions when questioned by police. “I made mistakes like that,” he told investigators.
Suspect Taken Into Custody
Ksenia Mishonova, Children’s Ombudswoman for the Moscow Region, condemned the act strongly. “A drug-addled monster grabbed a toddler in the arrivals hall and threw him on the floor with all his might… All this is incredibly difficult to bear. May the parents have the strength to survive this,” she said, as quoted by Russian news outlets.
The suspect has been taken into custody and is being investigated for attempted murder. In a disturbing twist, Vitkov is said to have a daughter of the same age as the child he allegedly attacked. A woman described as a close friend of the accused told reporters she was “in shock” over the incident.
LIVE | Shubhanshu Shukla second Indian to travel to space; carries hopes of 1.4 bn Indians: Modi
Shubhanshu Shukla, Peggy Whitson, Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski are part of the Axiom-4 mission. The mission marks the return to space for the three nations. The targeted docking time is approximately 4.30 pm IST on Thursday, June 26.
The much-delayed Axiom-4 mission blasted off from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida at 12:01 pm IST towards the ISS amid cheers from watch parties organised across the world, including at Shukla’s City Montessori School in Lucknow where his parents witnessed the historic launch.
In Rakesh Sharma’s footsteps
The Lucknow-born Shukla, former NASA astronaut Mission Commander Peggy Whitson, Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland, and Tibor Kapu of Hungary are part of the Axiom-4 mission that marks the return to space for the three nations.
Shukla became the first astronaut to travel to the International Space Station, a journey that comes 41 years after Rakesh Sharma’s eight days in orbit as part of the then Soviet Union’s Salyut-7 space station in 1984.
“Greetings from India.. have a fun time guys,” Sharma said in a video message.
The targeted docking time is approximately 4.30 pm IST on Thursday, June 26, NASA said in a statement.
Follow this space for more live updates
IAF’s Captain Shubhanshu Shukla Becomes Second Indian in Space, 41 Years After Rakesh Sharma’s Mission
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force has become India’s second astronaut to travel into space. The Axiom-4 mission is the most science-intensive private spaceflight to date, with over 60 experiments planned during the 14-day stay aboard the ISS. The mission is led by Peggy Whitson, a veteran NASA astronaut and Axiom’S Director of Human Spaceflight. The crew includes astronauts from India, the US, Poland, and Hungary, marking the first ISS visit for the latter two countries. After multiple delays caused by weather and technical issues, the mission successfully lifted off, with ISRO and government officials praising the mission as a crucial milestone for India’s human spaceflight programme. The Logical Indian celebrates this success as a beacon of hope and inspiration for young Indians, encouraging them to dream without limits.
The crew includes astronauts from India, the US, Poland, and Hungary, marking the first ISS visit for the latter two countries. After multiple delays caused by weather and technical issues, the mission successfully lifted off, with ISRO and government officials praising Shukla’s journey as a crucial milestone for India’s human spaceflight programme and a stepping stone towards the upcoming Gaganyaan mission.
A Nation Watches as Shukla Blasts Off
The launch of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has captured the imagination of millions across India, with live coverage drawing huge viewership and celebrations erupting in his hometown of Lucknow. At 39, Shukla is a decorated fighter pilot with over 2,000 flying hours and extensive experience in test piloting, making him an ideal candidate for this historic mission.
Before liftoff, Shukla addressed the nation, saying, “As I embark on this journey into space, I carry the hopes and dreams of a billion hearts. This mission is not just mine but belongs to every Indian who dreams of reaching the stars.” The Axiom-4 mission is the most science-intensive private spaceflight to date, with over 60 experiments planned during the 14-day stay aboard the ISS.
ISRO officials have emphasised that Shukla’s experience will provide invaluable insights and training for India’s indigenous human spaceflight programme, Gaganyaan, which aims to send Indian astronauts into space by 2027.
From Setbacks to Lift-off: The Road to Axiom-4
The journey to this successful launch was far from smooth. The Axiom-4 mission faced six postponements, largely due to unfavourable weather conditions and technical glitches, including a critical leak detected in the Falcon 9 rocket’s propulsion system and last-minute repairs on the ISS’s Russian module.
The final countdown was particularly tense, with a technical issue resolved just 60 seconds before an automatic abort could have been triggered. The mission is led by Peggy Whitson, a veteran NASA astronaut and Axiom’s Director of Human Spaceflight, with Shukla serving as the pilot and two mission specialists from Poland and Hungary, both countries making their maiden ISS visits.
This mission not only marks a significant achievement for India but also represents a milestone for Poland and Hungary, highlighting the growing international collaboration in space exploration. The success of Axiom-4 is widely seen as a precursor to India’s Gaganyaan programme and a stepping stone towards establishing a permanent Indian presence in space in the coming decades.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Shubhanshu Shukla’s historic flight into space is a shining example of India’s scientific determination, resilience, and the power of global cooperation. His journey symbolises the collective aspirations of a nation eager to contribute meaningfully to humanity’s exploration of the cosmos.
At a time when the world faces numerous challenges, such milestones remind us of the importance of curiosity, dialogue, and empathy in advancing knowledge and fostering peace.
The Logical Indian celebrates this success as a beacon of hope and inspiration for young Indians, encouraging them to dream without limits and to pursue science and technology with kindness and purpose. As India reclaims its place among the stars, how do you think this renewed presence in space will influence our society, education, and international relations?
Meet ‘Grace’, SpaceX Dragon Capsule Flying Shubhanshu Shukla and Crew to ISS 5 — Key Details
SpaceX’s Dragon capsule named ‘Grace’ by crew after successful launch. Named after harmony of science and spirit and humanity’s aspiration for peaceful exploration. Carrying India’s second astronaut in space, Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla. Arrival at International Space Station (ISS) set for June 26, 2014. The mission is part of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission led by Axiom Space in collaboration with SpaceX and supported by NASA, with astronauts representing ISRO and ESA-member countries. It is the latest line of SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft and is making its debut on Ax-4.
Here are 5 fascinating things to know about Grace and what makes this mission extra special:
1. ‘Grace’, A Name With Meaning, Not Just Mechanics
In a post-launch transmission, Whitson introduced the capsule, saying: “Grace is more than a name. It reflects the elegance with which we move through space against the backdrop of Earth. The name isn’t just symbolic, it represents the harmony of science and spirit, a fusion of cutting-edge engineering and the humility with which humans now reach for the stars.”
2. Shubhanshu Shukla Is Making History Onboard Grace
Grace is carrying India’s second astronaut in space, Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla, representing ISRO and the Indian Air Force. Four decades after Rakesh Sharma’s iconic flight, Shukla’s presence aboard Grace marks a powerful new chapter in India’s space journey.
3. Grace Is Brand New, A Dragon Making Its Debut
This is Grace’s first spaceflight. The capsule is part of the latest line of SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft and is making its debut on Axiom-4, a mission led by Axiom Space in collaboration with SpaceX and supported by NASA, with astronauts representing ISRO and ESA-member countries.
4. It’s Not Just a Spacecraft, It’s a Statement
The crew’s words gave this mission emotional gravity. “Spaceflight is not just a feat of engineering, but an act of goodwill… for every human, everywhere. Grace is not only ferrying astronauts, it’s carrying the ideals of unity, progress, and peace. It reminds the world that space exploration is ultimately a gift for all of humanity.”
5. Destination: International Space Station, Arrival Set for June 26